Critical gable wall failure

A very serious accident has been reported following the collapse of the top of a brickwork gable in a relatively modern building in high winds, seriously injuring two passers by. The cause is believed to be a lack of ties between the brickwork and the adjoining timber trusses.

The CITB (Construction Industry Training Board), includes training on such issues on some of their courses, however, smaller contractors often do not have the time or resources necessary for such training, Suggestions have been made that government funding should be made available for people to attend such courses. Funding could be raised through the planning process in a similar way that s105 agreements raise money for local authorities, Such action may well bring a significant payback in a reduction in deaths and injuries involving construction works, not to mention in prosecution costs after the event.
CROSS (Confidential Reporting of Structural Safety) advises: Gable walls must be properly tied to resist wind suction. The Approved Document for Part A of the Building Regulations (paragraphs 2C36 and 37 and diagram 16) shows the tying that is required by means of tension straps at not more than 2m centres at the top of a gable wall and at the level of the bottom of the roof trusses. Guidance is also given in BS 5628 Code of Practice for the use of masonry and in Eurocode EN 1996. However any lack of restraint straps or adequate fixings should be evident on an inspection of the roof space, even though access may be difficult, but there is no requirement for this type of inspection to be carried out by a Building Control Body. The number of inspections carried out by Building Control Bodies is currently (2009) under review.